Tobetsu: Local Produce, Hand-made Clothes, DIY
As a thriving farming community of both livestock, grain, and vegetables among many other goods, Tobetsu has a number of amazing shops which highlight the areas local produce. These shops are stocked with goods from nearby farmers and producers and highlight Hokkaido's unique foods.
Tsujino Shōten (辻野商店): A local shop with a long history.
Tsujino Shōten is near the Tobetsu River, a 5 minute walk from the town's popular Seicomart. But unlike a Konbini, its products are fresh and locally sourced, rather than over-processed and over-priced. It's lovely staff are knowledgeable about all their products; if you ask, they can tell you all about the farms and farmers which supply them.
From pickled plums, to local meats, to sweet treats, this shop has everything you could need.
It even has an ice cream shop inside! The ice cream is made with local dairy and the cone (especially delicious) is made with local wheat.
This is a great place for both gifts to bring home if you're visiting (Omiyage), but also for regular shopping. The prices are not too high but the quality of the produce is excellent. It is a small shop, but it truly highlights Tobetsu's amazing local produce.
Address: 2-13 Saiwaicho, Tobetsu, Ishikari District, Hokkaido 061-0217
Open: Every day of the week 10am-5pm
Fureai Sōko (ふれあい倉庫)
This shop is right next to the station and is quite the institution in the town. It has everything: from fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, to chocolate produced in the nearby Royce Chocolate and Cacao Town (See Tobetsu Activities and Experiences). It also has table where you can often find people gathering and eating together.
For flowers and small Tobetsu trinkets for presents for people, this shops has you covered. Conveniently right next to the station, it is great for both last minute お土産 and for buying food for dinner on the way back from a Sapporo day trip or Futomi Onsen. As with Tsujino Shōten, the prices are reasonable and the produce is exceptionally fresh and local.
Sueda Photography: A Clothes and Souvenirs Shop
It used to be a photography shop, and so is listed on Google Maps as "Sueda Photography." The moment you walk in, you are surrounded by walls piled high with fabrics, hand sewn toys, and railings of clothes, ranging from light summer pieces to things for Tobetsu's cold winters. They even offer the custom pieces, allowing the customer to choose the fabric, design and measurements for a unique tailor-made item of clothing. These are made locally (literally across the street).
There are also a lot of great hand-sewn trinkets, toys and Tobetsu-related goods here which make from great gifts. If you want to try a Tobetsu shop that is unique to the town and different from regular Sapporo shopping, this is our recommendation.
Address: 51 Yayoi, 石狩郡当別町 Ishikari District, Hokkaido 061-0223
Open: Weekdays 1-5pm
Yamada Smile Store
Right on the main throughway of Tobetsu, next door to the coin laundry is this impressive red building. Inside, it houses the lifeblood of Tobetsu's carpentry and construction industries: a hardware shop. From DIY fixes to professional tools, they will have it here.
Address: 1091 Nishikimachi, Tobetsu, Ishikari District, Hokkaido 061-0226
Open: Every day except Sunday, 7:30am-6pm
Next: Tobetsu Hikes, Walks and Nature
Tobetsu Accommodation: Where to Stay
Live in Tobetsu: Stay